Welcome to VetsForever. If you’re a veteran dealing with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and seeking VA disability benefits, you’ve come to the right place. Navigating the VA system can feel like trying to decipher military jargon after pulling an all-nighter. But don’t worry, we’ve got your six. This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about GERD VA ratings, how to potentially increase your rating, and what to expect during the claims process. Consider this your mission briefing to understand GERD and the VA.
Understanding GERD and Its Impact on Veterans
What is GERD?
GERD, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach. When the LES doesn’t close properly, stomach acid can leak back into the esophagus, causing heartburn, acid indigestion, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Imagine your stomach acid staging a full-scale invasion of your esophagus – not a pleasant scenario.
Common GERD Symptoms
Symptoms of GERD can vary in severity, but often include:
- Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest, often after eating.
- Acid Regurgitation: The backflow of stomach acid into the throat or mouth.
- Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing.
- Chronic Cough: Persistent coughing, especially at night.
- Laryngitis: Inflammation of the voice box, leading to hoarseness.
- Nausea: Feeling sick to your stomach.
For veterans, these symptoms can be particularly disruptive, impacting daily activities, sleep, and overall quality of life. It’s more than just occasional heartburn; it’s a chronic condition that can significantly affect your well-being.
How Military Service Can Contribute to GERD
Several factors related to military service can contribute to the development or exacerbation of GERD:
- Stress: High-stress environments and traumatic experiences can disrupt digestive function.
- Diet: Irregular eating habits and reliance on processed foods can trigger GERD.
- Medications: Certain medications commonly prescribed to veterans may worsen GERD symptoms.
- Physical Strain: Heavy lifting and strenuous activities can increase pressure on the abdomen, leading to acid reflux.
These service-related factors can create a perfect storm for GERD, making it a common condition among veterans.
The VA Disability Rating for GERD
How the VA Rates GERD
The VA rates GERD under 38 CFR § 4.114, Schedule of Ratings – Digestive System, Diagnostic Code 7346, Hiatal hernia. While the diagnostic code refers to hiatal hernia, the VA often uses this code to evaluate GERD, as both conditions involve similar symptoms and physiological mechanisms.
The VA disability rating for GERD can range from 0% to 60%, depending on the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your health. Here’s a breakdown of the rating criteria:
- 0% Rating: This rating is typically assigned if you have a diagnosis of GERD but your symptoms are mild or controlled with medication. It acknowledges the condition but doesn’t recognize significant functional impairment.
- 10% Rating: A 10% rating is given for GERD with “two or more episodes per week of heartburn, regurgitation, and/or dysphagia. This rating may also be assigned if symptoms are controlled with continuous medication.”
- 30% Rating: This rating is for GERD with “daily episodes of heartburn, regurgitation, and/or dysphagia. This rating may also be assigned if symptoms are not controlled with continuous medication.”
- 60% Rating: A 60% rating is for GERD “with symptoms equivalent to those of a hiatal hernia that requires surgery.” This is the highest rating you can get for GERD alone and is reserved for the most severe cases.
How to Get a 30% Rating for GERD with the VA
To secure a 30% rating for GERD, you need to demonstrate that you experience daily episodes of heartburn, regurgitation, or dysphagia. Alternatively, if your symptoms are not controlled even with continuous medication, you may also qualify for this rating. Accurate and thorough documentation of your symptoms is critical. Maintaining a detailed log of your symptoms, including their frequency and severity, can provide valuable evidence for your claim.
What is the Highest VA Rating for GERD?
As mentioned earlier, the highest VA rating for GERD is 60%. This rating is reserved for veterans whose GERD symptoms are so severe that they are comparable to those of a hiatal hernia requiring surgery. This level of severity implies significant and debilitating symptoms that greatly impact daily life.
Proving Service Connection for GERD
Direct Service Connection
To establish direct service connection for GERD, you need to demonstrate a direct link between your military service and the development of your condition. This typically involves three key elements:
- A current diagnosis of GERD.
- Evidence of an event, injury, or illness in service that could have caused or contributed to GERD.
- A medical nexus linking your current GERD diagnosis to the in-service event.
The nexus is a critical piece of your claim. It’s not just about getting a nexus letter! Your words and personal statement are weighted just as high if not higher than a nexus letter. Don’t waste your money on a nexus letter until you have a strategy to win your claim. We’re here to help craft one up for free.
Secondary Service Connection
Secondary service connection applies when your GERD is caused or aggravated by another service-connected condition. For example, if you have a service-connected neck condition that leads to GERD due to medication side effects or altered posture, you may be eligible for secondary service connection.
Can a VA Rated Neck Condition Lead to GERD?
Yes, a VA-rated neck condition can potentially lead to GERD and qualify you for secondary service connection. This could occur if the neck condition necessitates the use of medications that irritate the stomach or if it affects your posture in a way that exacerbates acid reflux. In such cases, it’s essential to provide medical evidence linking the neck condition to the development or worsening of GERD.
Filing a VA Claim for GERD
Required Documentation
When filing a VA claim for GERD, gather the following documentation:
- Medical Records: Include all relevant medical records documenting your GERD diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment.
- Service Records: Provide your military service records, including your DD214, to establish your time in service.
- Personal Statement: Write a detailed personal statement describing how your GERD symptoms affect your daily life.
- Buddy Letters: Obtain buddy letters from fellow veterans who can attest to your GERD symptoms and how they relate to your service.
The Claims Process
The VA claims process typically involves these steps:
- Filing Your Claim: Submit your claim and all supporting documentation to the VA.
- Medical Examination: Attend any required medical examinations, such as a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam.
- VA Review: The VA reviews your claim and all evidence to determine if you are eligible for benefits.
- Decision: The VA issues a decision, either granting or denying your claim.
What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied
If your GERD claim is denied, don’t lose hope. You have the right to appeal the decision. Your options include:
- Supplemental Claim: Submit new and relevant evidence to support your claim.
- Higher-Level Review: Request a review of your claim by a senior VA employee.
- Notice of Disagreement: File a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) to appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
GERD and Other Conditions
Can IBS-D and GERD Be Rated Together in VA Claims?
Yes, Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (IBS-D) and GERD can both be rated in VA claims. However, the VA typically avoids “pyramiding,” which means you can’t receive separate disability ratings for the same symptoms. If both conditions contribute to similar symptoms, the VA will usually assign a single rating based on the condition that results in the higher disability percentage. It’s crucial to present a clear case demonstrating how each condition independently impacts your health.
Tips for a Successful GERD VA Claim
- Be Thorough: Provide comprehensive and detailed information about your symptoms and how they affect your life.
- Gather Strong Evidence: Collect all relevant medical records, service records, and buddy letters.
- Seek Medical Expertise: Consult with a gastroenterologist who can provide a thorough evaluation of your GERD.
- Don’t Give Up: If your claim is denied, pursue your appeal options.
VetsForever: We’ve Got Your Six
Navigating the VA system can be challenging, but you don’t have to go it alone. At VetsForever, we’re committed to helping veterans like you get the benefits you deserve. Our team of VA-accredited professionals understands the ins and outs of the VA claims process and can provide expert guidance every step of the way. Contact us today for a free case evaluation, and let us help you fight for the compensation you’ve earned. Because at VetsForever, we’ve got your six!